Pin it A playful and refreshing summer fruit platter featuring a carved watermelon shark filled with juicy fruits, perfect for parties and kid-friendly gatherings.
I first created this to surprise my family at a summer gathering and it was an instant hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Watermelon Shark: 1 large seedless watermelon, 2 blueberries (for eyes), 2 slices of apple or banana (for eye whites), 1 small paring knife (for carving)
- Fruit Filling & Board Garnish: 2 cups seedless green grapes, 2 cups seedless red grapes, 1 pint blueberries, 1 pint strawberries hulled and halved, 2 kiwis peeled and sliced, 2 oranges peeled and segmented, 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup blackberries, 1 cup cantaloupe balls or cubes, 1 cup honeydew balls or cubes, fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)
- Extras (optional): 1 cup gummy fish or sharks (for decoration), 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (to mimic bubbles)
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon Shark:
- Slice a thin piece off the bottom of the watermelon so it sits flat. Cut about 1/3 off one end at an angle to create the sharks mouth opening. Scoop out the flesh from the cut section reserving it for the fruit filling. With a paring knife carve jagged teeth along the edge of the mouth. Use toothpicks to attach apple or banana slices for the eyes above the mouth and secure a blueberry in the center of each.
- Assemble the Fruit Board:
- Dice reserved watermelon flesh into bite-sized pieces. Fill the inside of the sharks mouth with a mix of watermelon grapes berries and orange segments to look like shark bait. Arrange the remaining fruits and melon balls around the shark on a large tray or board alternating colors and shapes for visual appeal. Scatter gummy fish or marshmallows if using and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately providing small tongs toothpicks or forks for easy fruit picking.
Pin it My kids love gathering around this board and it always sparks creative conversations about sharks and summer fun.
Required Tools
Large sharp knife, paring knife, melon baller (optional), cutting board, large serving platter or board, toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains none of the major 8 allergens. If adding gummies or marshmallows check labels for gelatin or allergens. Always verify all packaged products for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 120, Total Fat 0.5 g, Carbohydrates 30 g, Protein 2 g per serving.
Pin it This watermelon shark bite board is the perfect centerpiece for any summer party and guarantees smiles all around.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I carve the watermelon shark mouth?
Slice about a third off one end of the watermelon at an angle to create the mouth opening, then scoop out the flesh and carve jagged teeth with a paring knife for a shark-like effect.
- → What fruits work best as filling for the shark mouth?
Use diced watermelon flesh, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, orange segments, and melon balls for a colorful and juicy filling inside the shark’s mouth.
- → How can I make the shark eyes look realistic?
Attach slices of apple or banana as the eye whites, then secure a blueberry in the center using toothpicks to mimic eyes.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Prepare and dice the fruits in advance, but carve and assemble the watermelon shark shortly before serving to maintain freshness.
- → Are there suggestions for additional decorations?
Add gummy fish or mini marshmallows around the board to resemble bubbles and enhance the shark theme, along with fresh mint for a refreshing aroma.